Choosing between Birmingham and Nottingham

[HecticHettie]

DC can’t decide which one to firm for English with Spanish. We’ve visited both and loved them. His GF’s mum has kind of put him off Birmingham by saying Y2-3 accommodation is in grotty area. I think that’s v unfair to Selly Oak but interested in other’s views pls?

Oh, and the roads full of student housing in Selly Oak are really no different from terraced streets near Universities in Cities across the country absolutely this. If they are grotty it’s because of the students! Many of the houses themselves are of a far higher standard than the campus accommodation and the fact that there are literally only students living in these roads makes it virtually an extension of the campus (indeed DS is closer to the library living there than he was at the far end of the Vale). And of course you don’t have to live there, but if you want to keep the campus vibe of living near all your mates then that’s the place to be.

Actually, reading other replies, it must have been Maple she was in not Mason. It wasn’t en-suite anyway. A flat of 5 bedrooms, shared bathroom, toilet and kitchen.

When we looked round on the open day we saw one flat in there and one in Tennis Courts. Maple was very dingy and basic in comparison, that’s why it was bottom of her list. But she ended up there and loved it.

Most students realise fairly quickly, it’s who you are with that matters. Not en suite rooms.

That is true. But if you've got rubbish flat mates that don't clean, an en suite is preferable.

@WeWereInParis
Yes but you won’t get your own kitchen or lounge. Plenty of scope for nasty unclean there! So your own bathroom is great but it comes at a premium price. Many cannot afford that luxury so don the rubber gloves! DD shared a bathroom between 6. They managed - all girls. You just have to take a punt that sometimes students do clean!

My eldest went to uni of Birmingham and my next eldest is there now. We much preferred Birmingham over Nottingham. We loved the beautiful campus but also the size. Nottingham is much bigger and harder to work out and therefore lost atmosphere for us. Both my daughters stayed in Tennis Courts first year but anywhere on the vale is good (with the exception of Maple Banks which we felt was too basic and seems to be a general view but at least it's the cheapest). Both stayed in Selly Oak. It's ok, not brilliant but students don't have to stay there. One of mine did law and the other is 2nd year Psychology. We did like the fact Nottingham had a Malaysia campus but Birmingham pushed its year abroad instead. My daughter is going to Canada next year.

Oh I know, I didn't have an en suite at uni. But if you don't get on with your flatmates (or they don't clean), every bit of your own space is a bonus. Of course it's expensive (that's why I didn't have one), and it's not a huge problem not having one, but I'd really have appreciated one.

@StanFransDisco When we visited for the Commonwealth Games Birmingham was looking fantastic. A long way better than in my uni days.